RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-B Scen28

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RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-... - 12/6/2016 6:45:16 PM

Macclan5

Posts: 1065
Joined: 3/24/2016
From: Toronto Canada
Status: offline

Thanks for the response note

While I opined on the Empire side - I neglected to consider you side.

In August 43 you are flying the hump no doubt but the planes only get so much supply in.

Perhaps you can divide the TROP Hurri IIc squadrons into fragments - move them in for 1 week or so - have them fly random LRCAP missions from odd locations to where you think he is attempting to hit you - then cycle back to Ledo....

A dozen less Zekes in China is a dozen less Zekes you will likely end up facing in PI or Minado etc....Even 1:1 is a fair trade off in 1943 for Hurri's because the Spits don't really show up in significant numbers for another 6 months PDU off...

Let Ki-Shek's fly boys cool their heels flying CAP over Imphal... while the all the Thomas, Richard and Harold Brit boys runs LR CAP out of Kunming or Liachow..

< Message edited by Macclan5 -- 12/6/2016 6:46:40 PM >

_____________________________

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(in reply to apbarog)

Post #: 1471

RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-... - 12/11/2016 12:43:21 AM

apbarog

Posts: 3769
Joined: 5/23/2002
Status: offline

17 Aug 43

AKAs finish unloading supply for the troops at Boela. The 2 divisions there have 4 times the needed supply on them now.

West of Babeldaob, sub Pompano finds tiny xAKL P-6 without escort. Pompano attacks with guns and almost certainly sinks the small ship. Pompano did waste a torpedo or two during the gun attack.

Allied light cruisers bombard Ambon and do moderate damage.

P-38s sweep Manado, finding Zeros and Oscars. It was a bad day for the Japanese.

Medium bombers hit enemy troops at Boela. Light rain reduced effectiveness.

Heavy bombers hit Ternate.

Wanting to move more supply into Denpassar and Mataram, a cargo task force arrived at Denpassar over the night. Nells sortied from Soerbaja, escorted by 17 A6M5 Zeros and 21 Oscars. 21 F6Fs and 10 Kittyhawks flew protection. Allied fighters did very well, but couldn't touch the bombers before they dropped torpedoes. Just one torpedo hit xAK Lancaster. The ship sank later in the day. Another raid, with 16 Bettys escorted by 9 A6M3a Zeros arrived. 5 Bettys dropped torpedoes but all misses. Many enemy planes were downed.

Total air losses for the day, including the Ternate sweeps and the attacks at Denpassar, were:

20 Zeros
13 Bettys
9 Oscars
9 Nells
2 Tojos

4 P-38s
1 F6F
1 Kittyhawk

US cruisers bombarded Boela with good effect. US troops attacked for the first time, and it didn't go particularly well.

Ground combat at Boela (80,110)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 21748 troops, 407 guns, 252 vehicles, Assault Value = 551

Defending force 8684 troops, 62 guns, 65 vehicles, Assault Value = 188

Allied adjusted assault: 174

Japanese adjusted defense: 315

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 3)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), disruption(-), experience(-)
Attacker: fatigue(-)

Japanese ground losses:
416 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 19 disabled
Engineers: 7 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
597 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 80 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 14 (2 destroyed, 12 disabled)

Assaulting units:
Americal Infantry Division
37th Infantry Division
2/593rd Boat&Shore Engineer Battalion

Defending units:
30th Ind Engineer Regiment
8th/B Division
8th/C Division
210th Ship Eng Coy
4th Engineer Co
16th Army /2
8th JAAF AF Coy
55th JAAF AF Bn
4th Air Div /1

The 37th Division was half disrupted upon invasion, but I needed to get reinforcements in quickly. We'll win this battle, but it will take awhile. I did miscalculate with the followup forces, loading them on APAs, hoping to unload them quickly. Since it will be awhile until the base is taken, I'm diverting the APAs to Namlea. It will now be built up bigger and more quickly, and have plenty of air support units. I need the APAs for upcoming events.

I will rest the Boela troops, and continue to bombard with ships. I'll bomb with B-25s when the weather permits. We'll just have to wear them down. Combat engineers would be helpful, but all are committed elsewhere.

Ships leave Darwin for the Ternate and Manado invasions. Allied carriers arrive at Darwin today, and will support the invasions after refueling and rearming. 2 new carriers and a CVL are waiting at Darwin, and will join the 6 Allied carriers when they arrive.

P-38s will sweep Balikpapan today.

Heavy bombers will hit Manado.

Cargo ships will try to unload at Denpassar again today. The same fighters will CAP, but will be augmented with fighters on LRCAP from Mataram. Walker could send his battleships from Soerbaja, if he decides to risk the mines that he knows are at Denpassar. He's lost a few destroyers there already due to mines, and may be gunshy.

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Post #: 1472

RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-... - 12/13/2016 1:31:19 AM

apbarog

Posts: 3769
Joined: 5/23/2002
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18 Aug 43

In the South China Sea, sub Sculpin sights a tanker convoy but doesn't get a shot. Walker is still sending big tanker convoys from Singapore to Japan through the middle of the South China Sea.

Near Butuan, on Mindanao, sub Saury spots an ACM escorted by a patrol boat. One torpedo hits PB Chohakusan Maru, but it is a dud. Recon of Mindanao shows that it is very active, with lots of fighters and ships in the area. I suspect there are more and more ground units arriving.

P-38s sweep Balikpapan, finding Tonys and Oscars. The first squadron sweep fights a fairly even battle. The second does much better. The Oscar pilots appeared to be elite. The Tony pilots did not. Then P-47s swept, and did very well, against the limited CAP that remained.

In China, Sonias were escorted by Zeros and Nates to Kukong. The airfield is hit. There is no CAP here. There is no Chinese supply here either.

The other big strategic target for Walker was Changteh, 2 hexes northwest of Changsha. I have Chinese P-43s and P-66s at Changsha, along with British P-40Es. I have them on ranged CAP, with a range of 2, to cover the cities near Changsha. Only Changsha has air support units. Walker sent lots of escorts, but I finally had a good day in China.

Morning Air attack on Changteh , at 81,50

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
Ki-21-Ic Sally x 6
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 28
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 9
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 14
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 21

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 7
P-43A-1 Lancer x 7
P-66 Vanguard x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 destroyed
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged

No Allied losses

Light Industry hits 4

***************
Morning Air attack on Changteh , at 81,50

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-Ic Sally x 15

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 5
P-43A-1 Lancer x 3
P-66 Vanguard x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-Ic Sally: 5 destroyed

No Allied losses

B-24s bombed Buin in the Solomons. No CAP. Walker has moved his planes back to Rabaul, and, I think, many of the ground units.

B-24s hit Manado. I'd swept yesterday, but not today. Liberator losses were heavy, but so were enemy losses, mostly on the ground. Too expensive for my liking though.

Total air losses, including the Balikpapan sweeps, the Manado bombing, and the enemy's Chinese bombing, are:

13 Sallys
12 Oscars
10 Topsys(on the ground)
10 Tojos
10 Zeros
7 Tonys
5 Helens

15 B-24s
10 P-38s

Looking at China, I'm starting to consider options for returning the big Chinese corp to the mainland. The corp is tasked for the upcoming Java invasion, but after that, I 'm thinking about sending them back to China. I'm looking at Hong Kong. It doesn't have a garrison requirement, and, in my experience, isn't usually heavily defended. After all, what could threaten it? A combined landing at Kwangchoan and push to the north could clear a path to the coast for the Chinese. Landing a bunch of supply here would instantly reinvigorate the Chinese. There's a lot of potential with the Chinese army, if it has a lot of supply, and if the Japanese don't commit more to China than currently.

None of this can occur soon. It could happen after a pathway to the South China Sea is opened. Taking Jolo, Puerto Princess and the northeastern tip of Borneo could do this.

Not a war-winning operation, but it would be unexpected, and allow the Chinese to become an offensive force. Taking Hong Kong would be just to hold it, not to advance from it. Canton is just to the north, and has a large garrison requirement. Better to just hold the huge base and let it be a focal point for Walker. With that huge corp, and supply, it won't be retaken.

In my own mind, I justified my use of the Chinese corp outside of the Chinese theater by saying that I'd promised Chiang Kai-shek that they will return to their homeland, and will do so by amphibious invasion. What could be more satisfying for the Chinese than a Chinese landing at Hong Kong?

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Post #: 1473

RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-... - 12/14/2016 1:16:15 AM

apbarog

Posts: 3769
Joined: 5/23/2002
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19 Aug 43

Sub Gar spots a big task force near Davao. 4 torpedoes are fired at AD Tone Maru, but all miss. There's an AG and several cargo ships here too. Probably setting up Davao as a support base.

2 B-24 squadrons from Milne Bay bomb the airfield at Buin again. No CAP. Bombers hit Ambon's airfield also.

No enemy attacks in China.

The Allies conduct a probing artillery attack south of Cox's Bazar. The enemy tank division is here, after all. The 14th Infantry Division also. Could be tough to break through, but we shall try.

Ground combat at 55,44 (near Akyab)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 9473 troops, 179 guns, 161 vehicles, Assault Value = 698

Defending force 25700 troops, 355 guns, 559 vehicles, Assault Value = 757

Japanese ground losses:
9 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
25 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 3 (2 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Assaulting units:
3rd USMC Tank Battalion
268th Motorised Brigade
641st Towed Tank Destroyer Battalion
255th Armoured Brigade
11th Indian Division
XXXIII Indian Corps
2/9th Fld RAA Regiment

Defending units:
9th Tank Regiment
1st Tank Division (weakened from prior attack)
14th Division (full strength)
29th Ind Engineer Regiment
Imperial Guards/A Division (weakened from prior attack)
5th Field Construction Battalion
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
8th RF Gun Battalion
16th AA Regiment
14th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
5th Mortar Battalion
15th Army /2

Invasion shipping for Ternate and Manado head toward Lautem. Marines at Waingapoe start to load. Carriers move toward Lautem also. Followup troops start to load at Darwin, and assault troops for Balikpapan start to move to Darwin.

(in reply to Macclan5)

Post #: 1474

RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-... - 12/17/2016 12:30:16 AM

apbarog

Posts: 3769
Joined: 5/23/2002
Status: offline

20 Aug 43

Near Davao, sub Gar spots a couple of patrol boats, and gets a torpedo hit on PB America Maru. Probably sunk.

Boela is bombarded by 2 light cruisers and 6 destroyers in preparation for another attack. Results are mediocre. Noncombat squads destroyed and disabled. B-25s then bomb the troops.

18 Tojos sweep the skies over Changsha. It was obvious that this is where the Chinese fighters were based, covering the surrounding bases. The Tojos get the best of the fight, against 6 Chinese P-66s, 9 Chinese P-43s, and 6 Brit P-40Es. 10 Oscars then sweep, and the CAP does better here.

South of Mindanao, sub Sturgeon finds an xAK with an AMc and a PB. It gets 2 torpedo hits on xAK Nissen Maru #3, but one is a dud. No fires or damage reported. But then Sturgeon follows up with another attack, getting another torpedo hit. The cargo ship is probably sunk.

The ground attack at Boela goes poorly. 1 to 2 odds, not touching the level 3 forts. 468 Japanese casualties and 939 US losses. This is going to be a stalemate until reinforcements can arrive, and none are prepped at the moment. Other targets are a higher priority, so I will accept a stalemate for awhile. The Americal Division and the 37th Infantry Division are both about half disrupted now, and will require rest and recuperation in Darwin after this operation. But they are going to be stuck at Boela for awhile.

Invasion shipping for Manado and Ternate will rendezvous north of Timor. It will be 3 or 4 days until the invasions occur.

I have a risky operation underway. APDs have a commando unit loaded, and are leaving Makassar headed to the base on Borneo to the northwest of Bandjermasin. I'm hoping that the base is empty, and I'm hoping that the ships are not spotted next turn. I'd like to steal the base on the cheap. That would definitely get Walker's attention, and he'll focus there. In the meantime, the Balikpapan and Samarinda invasions are due to take place immediately after the upcoming landings at Manado and Ternate.

If the APDs are spotted today, I will probably call this operation off.

The battleship group that had been at Soerbaja for weeks left a few days ago.

Allied transports on the west coast of Australia were spotted today. I'm hoping that it's just a Glen sub. I'm still moving troops for the Java invasion from Perth to Port Hedland.

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Post #: 1475

RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-... - 12/19/2016 1:16:10 AM

apbarog

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Joined: 5/23/2002
Status: offline

21 Aug 43

Sub Grayback misses a tiny minesweeper near Davao.

Sub Kingfish spots a small task force, misses a patrol boat with 2 torpedoes, and is hit once with a depth charge. Kingfish has moderate damage, and will return to base. This engagement occurred northeast of Mindanao, near the exit if you wanted to go to the north coast. A dot base near there, on this route, will be mined today.

24 B-24s hit Buin, further damaging the airfield. They'll switch to Torokina today.

Small strikes on Boela's airfield and troops.

Many ships will come together east of Kendari. They will then be 2 days away from landing at Ternate and Manado. All of the Allied big carriers are there, along with a couple of CVLs. Minesweepers, subchasers, bombardments task forces, and escorts are there.

I've scraped together some support units for Gorontalo, which is west of Manado. I took the base awhile ago with a small infantry unit, but haven't tried to get support there. This base will augment Manado and the adjacent dot base. Will be within heavy bomber range of bases on Mindanao.

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Post #: 1476

RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-... - 12/19/2016 1:30:01 PM

jwolf

Posts: 2493
Joined: 12/3/2013
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That's a clever way to (possibly) shield your APD from naval attacks. But did he spot your APD force, and if so, can't he send a surface force after it?

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Post #: 1477

RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-... - 12/19/2016 9:01:50 PM

apbarog

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Joined: 5/23/2002
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He could send a surface force. I'm guessing that he would think they are headed to Bandjermasin, though, which is a closer target. As for air, it's a big risk. He could just as easy have other bombers on Borneo that could hit them. I'm willing to take some losses if I can take an unoccupied base. Which may or may not be the case.

(in reply to jwolf)

Post #: 1478

RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-... - 12/21/2016 4:16:58 AM

apbarog

Posts: 3769
Joined: 5/23/2002
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22 Aug 43

Sub Halibut spots a tanker convoy in the middle of the South China Sea. 2 torpedoes are fired at TK Okigawa Maru. One hits, but it's a dud. 10 days until better torps!

Sub Spearfish spots an unescorted xAKL east of Manado. It starts a gunfight with the cargo ship, with Spearfish firing just one shell at it, and then the sub captain decides that he is too damaged to continue. The cargo ship didn't fire a shot, but the sub captain must have decided that the already existing damage was too great. Interestingly, Spearfish immediately reattacked in a separate attack, firing 2 torpedoes, but both misses.

Sampit is invaded. It's the first invasion on Borneo, and I guarantee that it wasn't the first one that Walker expected. A commando unit lands on the unoccupied base. Sampit is on the west coast of Borneo. The base should automatically convert to Allied, denying the enemy the details of what unit landed, and in what strength. Unless Walker airlifts troops in immediately. I have another commando unit on Celebes ready to be airlifted into Sampit once the base is taken.

The activity in China today was at Sian. Sian has oil, and Walker was going to come here eventually. He's had recon here for a long time. 2 Zero groups swept the base, finding some Chinese P-43s and P-40s. The first fight was fairly even. The second fight favored the Zeros. Total air losses were 14 Zeros, 6 P-40Es, and 5 P-43s. The Chinese pools are always very low, so most of the Chinese units are headed back to Ledo. Brit units and one US unit are replacing them.

At Sampit, lots of APDs and one LSI(M) have completely unloaded the commando unit and supply. During the day, 18 Bettys from the direction of Palembang attacked. A couple were downed by flak, with 5-10 more damaged. 3 torpedoes hit APD Brooks, sinking the ship. All ships will head for Makassar at full speed, and should get there by the end of the day. The base should fall, and be a thorn in the enemy's side, and it will get Walker's attention. If he ignores it, I'll fly in air support and protect the base somewhat. But the real show is elsewhere. Losing one APD is acceptable.

The landing at Ternate will begin, to some degree. I like to have my invasion ships arrive during the night, to allow as much unloading as possible, and maybe be able to leave the next day. My shipping will just barely get to Ternate by the end of the day. Carriers will sit one hex to the west and protect. Cruisers and destroyers go to Ternate also, ready to bombard tomorrow. I chose this approach this time as it makes it perfectly clear that I'm landing at Ternate, and this may be enough for Walker to think that I'm not coming to Manado also. But I am. Tomorrow.

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RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-... - 12/23/2016 1:19:54 AM

apbarog

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23 Aug 43 - South China Sea

I've made a sizable commitment to hunting tankers in the South China Sea. The subs are based at Waingapoe currently. A few are starting to base at Kendari, but this isn't significantly closer to the South China Sea.

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Post #: 1480

RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-... - 12/23/2016 1:50:12 AM

BBfanboy

Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline

When I was coming back to the Philippines in my game I held Miri and Brunei, so my convoys would go via coastal routing and waypoint along the north coast of Palawan, pass south of Busuanga and up the channel toward Manila. Almost all of this route is shallow water and lots of small bases for coverage by float planes operating with AVDs/AVPs. Might be worth checking whether he is using similar coastal routing.

_____________________________

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Post #: 1481

RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-... - 12/23/2016 1:57:04 AM

apbarog

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We think alike BBfanboy! I have both the northern and southern Palawan route covered. I'm staying out of the coastal hexes, mostly, but there are a couple of deep water hexes that have to be used, and I'm heavily covering them. From the map, you can also see that I've recently mined the coastal hex east of Jesselton. I have no confirmation, yet, that the coastal route is being used, but I'm looking.

I'm not seeing air ASW activity here yet.

(in reply to BBfanboy)

Post #: 1482

RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-... - 12/23/2016 1:58:19 AM

apbarog

Posts: 3769
Joined: 5/23/2002
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23 Aug 43

Enemy patrol boats start to sweep my mines recently laid northeast of Mindanao.

Sub Perch spots a tanker convoy 3 hexes west of Takao, Formosa. The sub is unable to attack and is not hit by any depth charges.

Near Ternate, I-124 spots CV Victorious and escorts, fires 2 torpedoes at the carrier, and misses with both.

Banjermasin is swept by Corsairs, but no CAP is found. Bombers hit the airfield, and get a Dinah or two. The base is defended by just 2 units, showing just 2700 troops and 15 guns. It's too bad that I'm not ready to hit here immediately. I have a division prepping for this base, but it's almost to Perth just now, coming from Capetown. It will proceed to Waingapoe to reload and be ready to go.

Kukong is bombed by the enemy. Sallys miss the city completely, but Sonias hit the airfield. I'm unable to defend Kukong, with no supply there.

Thunderbolts sweep Manado, finding no CAP. A handful of bombers hit the airfield, but do poorly in the heavy rain. 36 SBDs do fly from the carriers, hitting a lone xAKL at Manado, sinking it.

Troops land at Ternate. Almost all of the Marine Division lands in just the afternoon phase. It will immediately attack, and should take the base. I see just 5 units at Ternate, with 4140 troops, 3 guns, and 2 vehicles. The support unit convoy for Ternate will leave Namlea and head north, hoping to start landing as soon as the base is taken.

There was a curious non-encounter today. 2 US destroyers, with a very good commander, moved to Sorong. During the night, I got the message that the enemy ships were caught at anchor, but then no combat occurred. No idea what happened here. No big deal. Probably just an xAKL there. Walker isn't risking anything at all near the front these days.

Today Manado will be invaded. Allied carriers will stand off 2 hexes from both Manado and Ternate. One fighter squadron will LRCAP Manado. Medium and heavy bombers will hit Manado. A P-38 squadron will sweep Manado.

At Gorontalo, southwest of Manado, I've moved an AVP into the port, and now have Catalinas on naval search, and Coronados on ASW. I've never used the huge Coronados for ASW, so this is an experiment. It has a very long range and a good bomb load. With pilots fairly trained in ASW, they should help. I've set them to range 16 (I think), which means an effective range of 8 for ASW. As the sub attack on Victorious shows, Walker is still using his subs, but doing so near his bases, not mine. Maybe I can start damaging some of them between Celebes and Mindanao, and force him to pull them back further.

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RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-... - 12/23/2016 4:24:26 AM

apbarog

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I did forget to mention that I am also invading Sidate, the dot base on Celebes adjacent to Manado. I think that it is unoccupied. It will block any retreat from Manado, and if Manado doesn't fall quickly, would provide me with a reinforcement point for units not prepped for Sidate or Manado. I'm invading with a weak boat support unit, with minimal combat value, but if the base is unoccupied, it will be enough.

(in reply to apbarog)

Post #: 1484

RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-... - 12/25/2016 2:01:14 AM

apbarog

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Not a creature was stirring. Not even a Fletcher.

Probably no turns until after Christmas. Merry Christmas to you all.

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Post #: 1485

RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-... - 12/25/2016 9:28:59 PM

Bif1961

Posts: 2014
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From: Phenix City, Alabama
Status: offline

And to all a good night!

(in reply to apbarog)

Post #: 1486

RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-... - 12/28/2016 8:43:49 PM

apbarog

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24 Aug 43

More troops and supply unload at Ternate.

Sub Gar spots a big convoy just northeast of Mindanao. Cargo ships and support vessels: AKE, AG and AD.

Manado is bombarded and invaded. Near Manado, RO-109 is sunk by diligent destroyers. 3 different destroyes attacked in the one battle, hitting the sub with 5 depth charges, and then finishing it off on the surface. Bombers hit the airfield and troops. The mandatory enemy bombardment shows that the enemy is too strong for just one division to handle.

In China, Walker is content with bombing undefended Kukong. The airfield is further damaged, but bombs miss the city.

At Ternate, the 2nd Marine Division attacks and easily captures the base. All enemy units evaporate due to attrition after the fight. The Marines immediately prepare to go to Manado and help out there. They will start loading tomorrow, and will land at Sidate and walk to Manado. This will prevent huge disruptions for landing without sufficient prep.

Allied bombers hit enemy troops just north of Akyab. The Allies attack, and find a stiff defense. There won't be a quick breakthrough here.

Ground combat at 55,44 (near Akyab)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 28739 troops, 421 guns, 859 vehicles, Assault Value = 1150

Defending force 25849 troops, 355 guns, 558 vehicles, Assault Value = 771

Allied adjusted assault: 590

Japanese adjusted defense: 1309

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
1294 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 111 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 19 disabled
Guns lost 33 (1 destroyed, 32 disabled)
Vehicles lost 27 (7 destroyed, 20 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1981 casualties reported
Squads: 13 destroyed, 257 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 33 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 23 disabled
Guns lost 28 (1 destroyed, 27 disabled)
Vehicles lost 52 (6 destroyed, 46 disabled)

Assaulting units:
45th Indian Brigade
3rd USMC Tank Battalion
641st Towed Tank Destroyer Battalion
255th Armoured Brigade
268th Motorised Brigade
46th Indian Brigade
11th Indian Division
29th British Brigade
2/9th Fld RAA Regiment
XXXIII Indian Corps
85th British AT Gun Regiment

Defending units:
14th Division
1st Tank Division
9th Tank Regiment
29th Ind Engineer Regiment
Imperial Guards/A Division
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
16th AA Regiment
5th Field Construction Battalion
8th RF Gun Battalion
14th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
5th Mortar Battalion
15th Army /2

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(in reply to Bif1961)

Post #: 1487

RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-... - 12/31/2016 12:08:12 AM

apbarog

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25 Aug 43

The rest of the troops unload at Manado. Supply continues to unload. Units are overflowing with supply. Cruisers Helena and Concord, and 6 destroyers, bombard at night. I have cruiser task forces rearming at Kendari, and I'm pacing them so that Manado is bombarded every night. I'm working hard at getting more fuel to Kendari.

Over on Borneo, my surprise commando invasion of Sampit does draw Walker's immediate attention. Battleships Kirishima and Hiei, 3 cruisers, and 5 destroyers bombard the base. Troop losses are just 1 squad disabled, but the base does take moderate damage, and every bit of supply is destroyed. Airfield damage may have prevented a second commando unit from flying in. I wanted Sampit to be the new focal point for Walker, and it is. I think his task force was futher north on the Borneo coast yesterday, and I think they originated at Singapore. I didn't see them today, so I don't know where they went to. Not seen at Soerbaja. His bombardment does identify the defenders as the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion.

Sub RO-34 is attacked by DE Encounter, and takes one good depth charge hit and a number of minor flooding messages. The sub is then reported to be attacked by a task force of subchasers, and is probably sunk now.

In the middle of the South China Sea, sub Plunger spots a big xAK task force, and hits xAK Hokuroku Maru with a torpedo. The ship is carrying fuel and is burning. Too far from port to survive.

I'm now using artillery attacks at Manado and Boela daily. Both sides will gain experience from it, but my troops are going to be the ones to survive. The enemy will be destroyed, eventually.

The Marine Division that took Ternate immediately begins to load for a landing at newly taken Sidate, where they will then walk to Manado and push the battle over the edge to victory. All of the support units earmarked for Manado will move to Sidate and help build that base, and move to Manado after it is taken.

Gorontalo, west of Manado, has more support units on the way.

Talud-eilanden, south of Mindanao, got a good recon today, and it appears to be unoccupied. Long ago I moved some very long range transports from India to Australia. B-24 variants I believe. There are 2 units of them, but only about 12 planes. They moved to Dili and will drop a part of a big Indian para unit that is fully prepped for Talud-eilanded. A task force at Dili will load the rest of the unit, to be shipped to the island. I want this island to be Walker's focus near Mindanao. He's prepping Mindanao hard, and this island is very close to Mindanao. It will have his attention. My plans don't include going to Mindanao directly, though.

There are 2 divisions currently at Kendari. One is being pulled out and sent back to Darwin. Overstacking issues. The division could use some rest and recovery time, and isn't needed until Mindanao.

I currently have 2 divisions at Boela. One is at about 70% strength, the other is at about 40%. Lots of disabled squads. I am going to pull the weaker division back to Australia and have it recover, keeping its preparation for Boela. They shall return.

Walker won't be able to do a turn on New Year's Eve, so I'm working the turn slowly tonight and tomorrow. He'll have it waiting for him on Sunday.

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(in reply to Macclan5)

Post #: 1488

RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-... - 12/31/2016 12:13:19 AM

apbarog

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One other note. I have a task force at Mataram, headed to Denpassar. It holds fragments of several units at Denpassar, and includes vehicles. These units weren't able to completely unload when I invaded, and they went to Waingapoe and helped build and support that base. I've moved the ships to Mataram, and now they will go to Denpassar. I've moved extra fighters to Denpassar, and I'm using LRCAP from Mataram to cover the unloading. I moved a single minesweeper to the tip of Java. There's still mines there, and I want to give the appearance that I might be coming.

I'm also airlifting out a HQ from Denpassar to Waingapoe. Stacking issues. I don't think Walker will counter-invade Denpassar. That opportunity has passed. I'd rather have more engineers and air support troops.

(in reply to apbarog)

Post #: 1489

RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-... - 12/31/2016 8:14:16 PM

apbarog

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August 1943 - Planning

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(in reply to Macclan5)

Post #: 1490

RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-... - 1/3/2017 8:35:13 PM

apbarog

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26 August 43

AKs continue to unload supply at Manado. They leave today. Unloading at Manado is complete. Reinforcements will come from Sidate. Allied cruisers bombard Manado, doing good work. It's almost a daily occurence.

YMS-99 moved to Banjoewangi, at the tip of Java, to sweep mines. I'd done this before, but never completed the job. All mines are swept, but the small ship is targeted by morning and afternoon raids from Soerbaja. I planned this op to get rid of the mines, and to appear that something is imminent here. I have a big xAP task force unloading at Denpassar, but it wasn't even spotted today. I had ranged CAP at Denpassar to protect the inbound ships if they didn't make the distance. Instead, a bunch of Zeros and Tonys escorted 13 Bettys to attack the YMS. 39 Hellcats, 25 P-39s, and a handful of P-40s and Kittyhawks flew cover. Many enemy planes were downed. In the afternoon, a weaker strike arrived, finding just the Hellcats, who didn't do much to stop the raid. YMS-99 was torpedoed and sunk. But my inadvertent CAP trap downed 14 Nells, 11 Tonys, and 4 Zeros, for the loss of 2 P-39s and 1 F6F, all to OPS losses.

At Talaud-eilanden, south of Mindanao, a small portion of the Indian 23rd LRP Brigade dropped in, found no enemy, and captured the base. The rest of the unit, along with some support, is loaded on ships and will arrive in a few days.

Today the Marine Division from Ternate will start to unload at Sidate, to reinforce Manado without taking the disruption from landing directly. Carriers will support.

In the long quiet area of the Solomons, preparations for a landing at Torokina begins. Many CVEs will cover the landing, with some slow battleships. The 1st Cavalry Division will land. Another division is prepped for adjacent Buin, which will be taken afterwards. I have enough APAs here for just one division at a time. Taking these two bases will put me closer to Rabaul, close enough for massed sweeps to be possible. I don't plan on taking Rabaul. I will land nearby and just isolate it. But this area is not a priority.

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(in reply to Macclan5)

Post #: 1491

RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-... - 1/3/2017 9:17:34 PM

BBfanboy

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Most players don't like to attack the DEI because there are so many bases to take, but your plans seem to be working well - good job!

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No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

(in reply to apbarog)

Post #: 1492

RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-... - 1/4/2017 3:48:20 AM

apbarog

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From the Japanese side, there are just too many places to defend. I can pick and choose what to attack and what to isolate. I do anticipate a strong counterattack somewhere. I just don't know where it will occur. Any one base retaken by the Japanese just isn't going to make any difference. I think that Walker has drawn a line at Mindanao. He may counter my commando unit at Sampit on Borneo, since it is so isolated. When I go to Java soon, I do think there will be a stiff defense there.

There were certainly points of vulnerability along the way. Getting Darwin back, and then the first landing at Timor could have been a place for major fight. Now there are just too many Allied bases.

Landing at Balikpapan soon may stir up some trouble. Allied ships there can be cut off by enemy ships coming from Soerbaja. But with Allied carrier superiority, I don't see it happening.

I'm pushing up the eastern side of Borneo, and getting to the northeastern tip of Borneo. Access to the South China Sea before the end of 1943 isn't game over for the Japanese, but it will restrict tanker convoys to hugging the Vietnam coast. I will be able to concentrate my subs even more. It's just a matter of time. I think that Walker may lose hope before I ever get to a point of being able to bomb the homeland.

< Message edited by apbarog -- 1/4/2017 3:59:52 AM >

(in reply to BBfanboy)

Post #: 1493

RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-... - 1/4/2017 4:04:53 AM

apbarog

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I'm considering a strike with my carriers on Soerbaja, after this operation and before Balikpapan. My reasoning is that he has a heavy CAP there that I'd like to whittle down. I think that I can get within striking range rather safely, because I know that Walker has restricted his naval bombers to not go as far as Denpassar from Soerbaja.

I'm thinking of doing a major fighter sweep, with heavy bombers hitting the port. I have the F6F airframes now, and weakening his local fighters just before I go to Balikpapan can't be a bad thing.

I like to occasionally move aggressively, and unexpectedly, with my carriers. Like the recent raid of Babeldaop. Keeps Walker guessing, and even more defensive. (Note to future opponent...I'm sure this will be read again sometime in the future.) :)

(in reply to Macclan5)

Post #: 1494

RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-... - 1/4/2017 1:18:06 PM

jwolf

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Seems like a good plan (the strike at Soerebaja). I hope it goes well and I'm looking forward to it!

(in reply to apbarog)

Post #: 1495

RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-... - 1/6/2017 12:03:27 AM

apbarog

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27 Aug 43

Sub Billfish fires on an xAK south of Cam Ranh Bay, but misses.

Manado, Taberfane, Ambon, Boela, Sorong, and Babo are bombed.

The Marine Division from Ternate is now unloading at Sidate, and starting to move to Manado. Lots of support units unloading at Sidate, as well as at Ternate.

At Talaud-eilanden, some engineers have been flown in on Coronados. Other engineers and support are loaded on ships and are inbound.

Allied carriers move south toward Kendari. They will get into position for a big strike on Soerbaja. Note that Saratoga has come out of the ARD at Gove, and is headed to Darwin to join the fleet. 3 fast battleships have come out of upgrades at Sydney and are also headed to Darwin. Very nice AAA additions.

The Torokina operation has begun. Many CVEs leave Rockhampton for the Solomons. Loading of the 1st Cavalry Division and support begins at Luganville.

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(in reply to jwolf)

Post #: 1496

RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-... - 1/6/2017 7:02:39 AM

adarbrauner

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Do you know if Walker is keeping an AAR?

(in reply to apbarog)

Post #: 1497

RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-... - 1/6/2017 1:49:32 PM

Macclan5

Posts: 1065
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From: Toronto Canada
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quote:

ORIGINAL: apbarog

From the Japanese side, there are just too many places to defend. I can pick and choose what to attack and what to isolate. I do anticipate a strong counterattack somewhere. I just don't know where it will occur. Any one base retaken by the Japanese just isn't going to make any difference. I think that Walker has drawn a line at Mindanao. He may counter my commando unit at Sampit on Borneo, since it is so isolated. When I go to Java soon, I do think there will be a stiff defense there.

There were certainly points of vulnerability along the way. Getting Darwin back, and then the first landing at Timor could have been a place for major fight. Now there are just too many Allied bases.

Landing at Balikpapan soon may stir up some trouble. Allied ships there can be cut off by enemy ships coming from Soerbaja. But with Allied carrier superiority, I don't see it happening.

I'm pushing up the eastern side of Borneo, and getting to the northeastern tip of Borneo. Access to the South China Sea before the end of 1943 isn't game over for the Japanese, but it will restrict tanker convoys to hugging the Vietnam coast. I will be able to concentrate my subs even more. It's just a matter of time. I think that Walker may lose hope before I ever get to a point of being able to bomb the homeland.

As per BB..

I might term this the "fourth Axis of advance - or perhaps the revenge of ABDA"

Its common enough to see (even historically) the usual patterns:

1st Axis = Island Hoping Central Pacific
2nd Axis = Solomon Sea and Northern New Guinea Coast
3rd Axis = Burma / Thailand / Vietnam.

While I have read a significant number of Allied AAR's ; I do not think I have read or experienced one which is this dedicated to this specific axis of advance; so many troops bought out and so many resources dedicated to Northern Australia.

I do find it very very interesting. Congratulations it is great reading and informative.

Other AARs have opined about the Mersing Gambit / Japanese Invasion of CON US/ India Gambit / All in on China.

I have even read a few AARs where a very large invasion of Australia takes place.

However the North East Australia jump off (Darwin is a must I assume) presents the Allied player a real opportunity to strike Oil reserves in late 1942 and 1943 as you indicate. This is an opportunity that the other traditional axis of attacks do not accommodate - not even the Northern New Guinea route (depending upon speed). At the end of the day this can hurt the Imperial Economy much more than the 'sub war' and raids. Finally as you logically indicate there are so many bases that can be built and developed - you have the opportunity to land "where the Japanese are not".

This may actually be a very informative tactic study for the Allied player and Japanese PBEM players will have to seriously consider how and where to stop this axis of advance when so many Allied resources are dedicated to it.

_____________________________

A People that values its privileges above it's principles will soon loose both. Dwight D Eisenhower.

(in reply to apbarog)

Post #: 1498

RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-... - 1/6/2017 8:50:46 PM

apbarog

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Adarbrauner, Walker was keeping an AAR, but he stopped awhile ago. The only thing he told me was that he was just reporting defeat after defeat. Before that, he did post occasionally, but not regularly. He may have been discouraged by the lack of discussion, I don't know.

As for me, I decided to report the war day by day, whether it stirs up any discussions or not. I'm a longtime lurker on the forum, and I know that the majority of readers do not post. And I'm ok with that. I do enjoy a discussion though. Every game is different and every game has something to learn from. The joy of this game is in the journey, not the destination. Discussing my turns just adds more enjoyment to the experience for me.

Thank you for the kind words, Macclan5. It may look like a brilliant strategy, but it sort of evolved on its own. My original strategy was your #2, a push up the east coast of New Guinea. When Walker kept KB camped at Rabaul for a long time, I couldn't move that direction. My initial push west of New Guinea was a move to draw KB that direction. That worked, for the loss of my landings at Taberfane and Dobo. After taking southern New Guinea, the DEI area was still woefully garrisoned by the enemy, so I pushed that way. And haven't stopped.

< Message edited by apbarog -- 1/6/2017 8:54:21 PM >

(in reply to Macclan5)

Post #: 1499

RE: See you in Tokyo Bay - Apbarog(A) vs Walker(J) DBB-... - 1/7/2017 2:22:52 AM

apbarog

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28 Aug 43

Lots of sub activity in the South China Sea, and nothing to show for it. Tanker, cargo and ASW task forces spotted. Torps missed a tanker, patrol boat, an E boat, and destroyer. Sub Plunger took one depth charge hit and starts to return to base. Lots of subs in the right places, just bad results today.

Today is a day of preparation for the next day. Allied carriers move west, nearer to Makassar, to get into position to strike Soerbaja. They will move adjacent to Denpassar and Mataram for the strike, to benefit from some extra CAP. Lots of fighters and bombers are moved to bases in range of Soerbaja. There are some ships in port there, and between 150 and 200 fighters. Going to be a big fight.

APAs head back to Darwin. Others are loading a division at Koepang, to be taken to Darwin for rest and recovery. Then loading for Balikpapan and Samarinda.

Troop ships head northwest from Luganville, moving into the Solomons for the Torokina invasion.

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< Message edited by apbarog -- 1/7/2017 2:23:33 AM >

(in reply to Macclan5)

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